With Johnny Manziel mania taking over Cleveland, one of the newest Browns players came into town virtually unnoticed for the team’s rookie minicamp in Berea.
For Eric Kettani, that’s fine by him, but the hope is he won’t be unnoticed for long — at least in the eyes of Coach Mike Pettine and his staff.
The Lake Catholic graduate and 2004 News-Herald player of the year isn’t budging on his dream of playing in the NFL.
“There’s nothing more about it,” said Kettani after a May 17 workout in Berea about what drives him to make it in the NFL. “I just love the game. Just being in this building is a huge thing. Not many people get invited to a rookie minicamp.”
For Kettani, a fullback, this weekend is nothing new. He knows the cut-throat nature of the NFL and the fierce competition to grab roster sports. After his active duty with the Navy was completed in 2012, and he negotiated a deal with the Department of Defense to serve seven years of reserve duty, perform public-affairs work and at the same time pursue an NFL career, Kettani has bounced around the league.
In 2012, he made the Patriots’ practice squad but was released Sept. 4. The Redskins then signed him to their practice squad one week later. In 2013, Kettani spent time on the Chiefs’ practice squad, but early this week was released. Enter the Browns.
“NFL’s a business, but once I got the call (this week) I was excited, and it was something I didn’t expect, my hometown team calling. But I’m ready to work,” said Kettani, whose parents reside in Kirtland. “At the time, I had just been released (by the Chiefs) and I was working out when I got the call, an amazing call. For me it’s a day-by-day thing, coming in doing my job and learning the playbook, which I know pretty well already.”
If Kettani does have an advantage on the other veterans at this weekend’s rookie minicamp, it’s the fact he’s familiar with former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s playbook, terminology and scheme.
“… But I’ve got to show up and improve myself like anyone else,” said the 5-foot-11, 240-pound Kettani.
Coach Mike Pettine said he’s been impressed, but with one more practice — May 18 — remaining for the group in Berea, there’s work remaining.
“(Kettani’s) done some good things,” Pettine said. “We’re going to sit down as a staff and evaluate (the position) and decide if we’re going to bring in an extra fullback. His name is high on the list of guys we think highly of after these two practices.”
On April 14, the Browns signed free-agent fullback Chris Pressley away from the Bengals. Kettani and Pressley (5-foot-10, 249 pounds) have similar builds. Add in the fact Shanahan’s offense utilizes a fullback in running formations, and it’s not far-fetched to think the Browns are considering carrying two fullbacks when training camp begins in July.
For now, equations continue at the rookie minicamp, which isn’t just for rookies. Around the NFL this weekend, there are Kettani types everywhere, those willing to continue to pay their dues and prove they belong.
Kettani, 27, said he has plenty of football in him. His cleats and shoulder pads aren’t going anywhere yet, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to stick.
“I think (having military background) is an advantage especially when it comes to time management and learning things on the fly. I’m just trying to carry that over,” Kettani said. “Being productive on special teams is a key to making an NFL roster. If you can do that, that’s a huge advantage.”
Kettani, a 2009 Annapolis graduate, spent three years on active duty in Jacksonville, Florida. He’s currently working at the Pentagon for the Chief of Naval Information. He’s transitioning to becoming a public affairs officer. His reserve duties expire in 2019, but his focus is set on one goal: Making the Browns’ roster.
He knows it won’t be easy.
“It’s the NFL,” he said. “What else would you expect?”

About the Author

Mark's an Ohio State graduate who's been with The News-Herald since 1996. He enjoys exercising, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with his family and college football. Reach the author at mpodolski@news-herald.com
or follow Mark on Twitter: @mpodo.